I given preference to Eterno on everything I can get in 60, 000/- for these reasons
Prime considerations were………
Family vehicle
Fuel consumption
Large storage capacity
Broad Seat (my child gets energetic while driving on the road, )
I did not consider much……….
Handling quality (I feel, I can handle any bull with two wheels)
Looks (anything on road has unique look)
Resale value (held 04 vehicles, none of them I could sale at decent price)
DEALER INTERACTION (?)
When you want to purchase something, first you consider the owners than you consider dealer. I enquired 10-15 persons, and they had given positive feedback. so I went to Pratul Honda, and they broke down all lower bars of hospitality.
They refuse to take booking amount from me, refuse to tell me anything about product, refuse to talk with me as they are busy with their customer care (!!). and over and above that fellow is floor manager in Pratul. Still I given them amount, taken bill and wait patiently for one month for silver colour/ 2006 model (Eterno is not fast moving and generally readily available)
After one month I drained off and tried to talk with other authorities in Pratul but no result. So I mailed at Honda website, phoned at their Manesar plant, and interacted their south sales head person. Same guy who refused to talk me earlier was on the toe after my conversation with Mr. Anshuman maharana (south sales head).
FUEL CONSUMPTION (?????)
This is the best part.
I feel driving conditions makes lot difference,
If I drive based on gear ranges given on odometer, I get 70 Kmpl (As Mr. Kiran’s advise).
If I go to speed up to 65-75 Km/h, or accelerate more, or overload (two healthy guy with filled LPG cylinder) or bumpy drive, or sudden braking then it downs 10%-15% for each driving fault.
I enjoyed 75 Kmpl until second service, after service (as the dealer has same standards for service and sales) it goes down to 55 kmpl. Again I went to Pratul, searched senior mechanic and get mileage adjusted. Now I am getting 70 Kmpl. It is a real jackpot while compare to 25 kmpl of LML.
Acceleration is good, if required I wrooo…m ahead at signal but at the cost of mileage.
COMFORT (????)
It’s not like KINETIC, nor LML NV (They are trend setter in scooter segment),
Seat is wide but not comfortable.
Handle is smooth but bobble at lower gears,
Suspension is hard enough to transfer each bump towards your back.
No flashy item or gadgets (Fuel meter, pressure horn, tachometer, Battery) provided. According to me, more gadgets means more servicing bill. After some time they do not work and you get panic to put them in working condition.
One thing is missing i.e. indicator buzzer (costs 20/- in market)
Please do not fit plastic Front Inner Box, it costs much and of less use, instead try one open metal net carrier. Believe me it enhance the usability of Eterno.
Most comfortable part if Eterno is its storage capacity, it can store one month grocery (at least three big bags), other shopping, one basketball in helmet box, and I can drive easily with my family on it (Impossible in any other two-wheelar)
RELIABILITY: (????)
Till today I spent only on petrol. My sister uses it at ease. My neighbor says that they changed nothing in two years.
Honda has service option up to two years (Better to directly interact with mechanic), till today I did not spend single rupee other than tyre pressure gets checked in Rs. 2/-.
Eterno has less plastic item so it may down on looks front but less wear and tear, no rattling, No accessories required.
HANDLING AND CONTROL (???)
Initially handling requires alertness as Eterno is broad at back.
KINE and NV works as a single unit but not Eterno. While accelerating or on fine curves or at higher speed; one must feel that vehicle requires more attention. Turning at higher speed is a goliath task
Front brakes are really a gem, it works like bike’s front brake; I never got skid it stops the vehicle smoothly. Rear Brake is not powerful enough to stop it at high speed.
I feel that Ruf’n’tuf handling is not advisable for Eterno. It is a scooter and we have to respect its limitations over bike.
LOOKS (????)
Last year, one young chap got Eterno from the company for commuting, we met at hotel and as usual I ask several questions regarding Eterno. I repeat what he said: “This is for family persons, average design & looks, good mileage, low cost, low servicing, no frills vehicle”
I feel whatever you drive, looks good on the road; ultimately it is the running cost which keep the vehicle on the road not looks. One can not afford Rolls/Ferrari for his daily commuting.
Eterno is good if you want a genie at your doorsteps, which must be ready to serve you anytime but must not seek food or maintenance in return. Afterall it is for my comfort not for my routine visit to garage.
FEW ADVICE
Go for Eterno, only if you want profits of scooter and respect the limitation of this segment (Believe me Eterno will deliver more)
Drive Eterno in the gear range given in odometer.
Do not accelerate, let the vehicle speed up itself, and just keep the throttle at optimum speed.
Tilt the vehicle slightly towards left when somebody ready to sit on back seat, this will help’em to ride comfortably.